NewsDigest

Military

AsiA-PAcific

DRDO cOnDucts successful maiDen flighttest Of Phase-ii BmD inteRcePtOR

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor AD-1 missile with large kill altitude bracket on November 2, 2022. The flight-test was carried out with participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations.

The AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft. It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target. During the flight-test, all the sub-systems performed as per expectations and were validated by the data captured by a number of range sensors including Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking stations deployed to capture the flight data.

tasl DeliveRs 200th cROwn anD tail cOne Of chinOOk

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has successfully delivered the 200th Crown and Tail-cone for Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters for the US Army and other international customers. Manufactured by TASL in Hyderabad, the parts of the CH-47 helicopters will be integrated at Boeing’s facility in Philadelphia. The CH-47 Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the US Army and 18 other defence forces around the world. In June 2017, TASL had also delivered the first crown and tail cone parts for one of the 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters for delivery to the Indian Air Force.

AmericAs

autOnOmOus Black hawk flies missiOns withOut PilOts

Sikorsky and DARPA have successfully demonstrated for the first time how an uninhabited Black Hawk helicopter flying autonomously can safely and reliably perform internal and external cargo resupply missions, and a rescue operation.

Performed October 12, 14 and 18 as part of the US Army’s Project Convergence 2022 (PC22) experiment, the flights show how existing and future piloted utility helicopters could one day fly complex missions in reduced crew or autonomous mode. This would give Army commanders and aviators greater flexibility in how and when aircraft and pilots are used, especially in limited visibility or contested environments.The PC22 demonstrations were the second set of uninhabited Black Hawk flights this year.

APPointments

Air MArshAl s.P. DhArkAr AssuMe chArge of eAstern Air coMMAnD

Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-inChief of Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force on October 1, 2022. An experienced fighter pilot with over 3,600 hrs of flying, he was earlier the Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ SWAC. Prior to this, he was the founding Director General of the newly formed Defence Space Agency (DSA) at Bengaluru, after a tenure as the Air Defence Commander at HQ EAC for a short time. He has earlier been Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters since January 2017. As DG DSA, he was responsible for handling all aspects related to setting up of the new Agency.

lM nAMes MichAel WilliAMson As senior Vice PresiDent

Lockheed Martin announced that Michael Williamson will be the new Senior Vice President of Global Business Development & Strategy. The appointment is effective November 1, 2022. Williamson is currently Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), where he leads operational excellence, a diverse portfolio of products and business enabling initiatives. He also provides strategic oversight of technical, cost and schedule performance execution for the MFC lines of business and enterprise performance. Williamson joined the company in 2017 following a distinguished career as a Lieutenant General with the US Army.

Civil aviatioN

AsiA-PAcific

atR 42-600 tO enteR chinese maRket

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has provided validation of the type certificate for leading turboprop manufacturer’s ATR 42-600.

This milestone opens the opportunity for ATR to re-enter the Chinese market with a firm order from an undisclosed customer for three aircraft. The most sustainable option for regional air travel, the ATR 42-600 is an ideal route opener for China, a vast country looking to grow essential connections profitably and responsibly.

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Receiving CAAC’s validation of the ATR 42-600 type certificate, along with a firm order, is a major achievement marking the reintroduction of ATR turboprops in China. The ATR 42-600 will undoubtedly prove to be a game-changer. ATR offers an eco-responsible alternative to jets while bringing comfort and convenience to passengers, and essential air services for communities and businesses to thrive.”

Regional aviation has a wellresearched positive effect on a country’s economy and society: increasing regional flights by 10 per cent generates a five per cent rise in tourism, 6 per cent rise in regional GDP and an 8 per cent increase in foreign direct investment.

emiRates exPanDs its caRgO fleet

Boeing and Emirates announced the Middle East carrier is further expanding its all-Boeing dedicated freighter fleet with an order for five 777 Freighters, valued at more than $1.7 billion at list prices. The airplanes will be operated by Emirates SkyCargo, adding to its fleet of 11 777 Freighters. At last November’s Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced a $1 billion investment to expand its air cargo capacity, including two new 777 Freighters that joined Emirates’ fleet this year.

Emirates was a launch customer for the 777 Freighter and is currently the world’s largest operator of the 777 family, with nearly 150 of the airplane type in its fleet. Boeing’s best-selling freighter, the 777F is the world’s largest, longest-range and most capable twinengine freighter flying today, with 17 per cent lower fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to prior airplanes. l